Ylang Ylang
On Montezuma Beach itself, with 21 rooms, suites and bungalows, an oceanside freshwater pool, a yoga studio and a full spa, and Cabo Blanco National Park close by.
3-starView hotel
Montezuma
A bohemian beach village at the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, with waterfalls to swim in a 20-minute walk from the centre and the Cabo Blanco reserve close by.
- Fly into
- SJO
- Then a short flight to Tambor, or road and ferry
- Best weather
- Dec to Apr
- Dry season
- The waterfalls
- Three falls
- A 20-minute walk from town
- Region
- Nicoya Peninsula
- The southern tip
- Pairs with
- Monteverde
- Private transfer, about 4.5 hours
Why go
Waterfalls, artists and a village by the sea
Montezuma sits at the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. It was a quiet fishing village until the 1980s, and today it draws artists, surfers and free spirits, with craft shops, small restaurants and bars along a few streets by the sea. A 20-minute walk from the centre brings you to the Montezuma waterfalls, three falls in a steep, forested river valley where you can swim. Take a boat to Tortuga Island to snorkel off its white sand, hike in Cabo Blanco, the first protected area created in Costa Rica, or walk the coast to quieter beaches such as Playa Grande and Cocalitos.
WaterfallsThree falls to swim in
Tortuga IslandWhite sand and snorkelling
Cabo BlancoCosta Rica's first protected area
Hotels we know personally
3-star and above only, chosen by our team in Costa Rica.
When to go
Driest December to April
December to April is the dry season, with clear skies for the beaches and the waterfall hike. The village gets busy in those months, so book early, and if you prefer quiet nights, ask us for a hotel a little away from the centre.
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Dry seasonGreen season, more rainSemana Santa, 21 to 28 March 2027: plan early
A short flight, or road and ferry
By small planeabout 30 minutesDomestic flight from San José to Tambor
From San José (SJO)about 5 hoursPrivate transfer, with the ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera
From Monteverdeabout 4.5 hoursPrivate transfer from the cloud forest
Good to know
Montezuma questions we answer every week
How do I get to Montezuma?
Fly from San José to Tambor, about 30 minutes, or come by private transfer with the ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera, about 5 hours in all.
How far are the Montezuma waterfalls?
About a 20-minute walk from the centre of the village. The trail climbs through a steep, forested river valley, so wear hiking shoes that can get wet.
Is Montezuma lively at night?
The village has bars by the sea and in the centre, and it can be busy and noisy in high season. If you prefer quiet, ask us for a hotel a little outside the village.
What else is there to do near Montezuma?
Boat trips to Tortuga Island, hikes in Cabo Blanco, horseback riding on the beach, sport fishing, yoga and the farmers' market on Saturday mornings.
Your Costa Rica, planned by people who live here
Tell us what you love. A Costa Rica Specialist builds a custom itinerary around it, with private transfers, hotels we know and our team on call 24/7 while you travel.
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